If you’re in the mood for a deliciously satisfying meal, this Pork Lo Mein will hit the spot. Made right in the Instant Pot, this recipe combines tender pork, savory noodles, and fresh vegetables in a flavorful sauce that’s hard to resist. It’s perfect for any weeknight when you want something hearty and homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love Pork Lo Mein
Pork Lo Mein has everything a great meal should: protein, vegetables, and noodles cooked to perfection in a sauce with just the right balance of savory and sweet. The dish comes together easily, allowing the pork and vegetables to absorb the rich flavors of the sauce. Not only is this meal quick to make, but it also offers a restaurant-quality experience at home, complete with colors and textures that make every bite enjoyable.
Mirin and Hoisin Sauce
Adding mirin and hoisin sauce to this dish deepens the depth of flavors, making it a bit sweet, a little tangy, and totally delicious. Mirin, a type of rice wine, provides a slight sweetness and helps to balance out the salty notes of soy sauce. Hoisin sauce, on the other hand, brings a thick, savory taste with hints of garlic and warm spices, which pairs perfectly with the pork and vegetables.
Simple Tips for Perfect Lo Mein
When it comes to making the best lo mein, a few small adjustments can make all the difference. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you prepare this dish:
- Marinate for More Flavor: Letting the pork marinate with soy sauce and sesame oil enhances its tenderness and infuses a depth of flavor.
- Use a Crisscross Technique for the Noodles: Breaking and arranging the spaghetti in a crisscross pattern prevents sticking and ensures they cook evenly.
- Sauté Vegetables Last: Adding the vegetables at the end preserves their vibrant color and keeps them slightly crisp, enhancing both the texture and appearance.
Customizing Your Lo Mein
One of the great things about Pork Lo Mein is its adaptability. You can easily make adjustments to suit your preferences or dietary needs:
- Vegetable Variations: Swap the bok choy, carrots, or bell peppers for mushrooms, snap peas, or zucchini if you have those on hand.
- Protein Alternatives: Try substituting the pork with chicken, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Extra Heat: Add a touch of spice with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for those who enjoy a kick of heat.
Why Use an Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot is a game-changer for recipes like Pork Lo Mein, bringing both convenience and consistency to the table. One of its biggest advantages is the ability to cook multiple ingredients in one pot, saving time on cleanup and keeping flavors concentrated. Using the Instant Pot’s sauté function allows you to brown the pork and soften the garlic directly in the pot before cooking the noodles and vegetables, enhancing the depth of flavor without needing extra cookware.
With its pressure-cooking setting, the Instant Pot also shortens cooking times significantly. The noodles cook to a perfect al dente in just a few minutes, absorbing the flavors of the sauces and spices for a richer, more cohesive dish. The controlled environment ensures even cooking throughout, making it especially convenient for meals with different textures, like tender pork, soft noodles, and crisp vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
This Pork Lo Mein is a full meal on its own, but you can easily pair it with other sides or dishes for a larger spread. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
- Sticky Wings: The sweet and tangy sauce of Sticky Wings complements the savory notes of the lo mein.
- Garlic Swirl Bread: Serve a slice of warm garlic swirl bread on the side for a unique and delicious pairing.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots or broccoli make great side dishes, adding even more color and flavor to your meal.
With its rich flavors and simple preparation, this Pork Lo Mein is a go-to recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a quick meal after a busy day, it’s the kind of dish that leaves everyone at the table happy and satisfied. Enjoy!
Pork Lo Mein
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 1 pound center-cut pork diced
- 2 cups water
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 pound baby bok choy sliced
- 2 small carrots sliced
- 1 yellow onion sliced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons dark soy sauce divided
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- Oil vegetable or canola oil
- Salt and pepper optional
- Sesame seeds for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Cut the pork into small cubes and marinate with half of the dark soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing until well combined.
- Set the Instant Pot to the Sauté setting on high. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and let it heat up. Add the pork and sauté until it turns golden brown on the outside. Remove the meat from the pot and set it aside.
- Add the minced garlic to the Instant Pot, allowing it to cook until golden brown, about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the water and deglaze the bottom of the pot by scraping it clean with a spatula to prevent any sticking.
- Break the spaghetti in half and arrange it in the pot in a crisscross pattern to help prevent sticking. Gently press the spaghetti down until it’s submerged in the liquid without stirring.
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, seal the valve, and pressure cook on high for 4 minutes.
- When the 4 minutes are up, perform a quick pressure release and allow the pot to rest for an additional 4 minutes.
- Afterward, open the pot and stir the noodles. Add the remaining dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and mirin, stirring until everything is well combined.
- Set the Instant Pot back to the Sauté setting on high. Add the sliced bok choy, bell pepper, onions, carrots, and cooked pork to the pot, stirring frequently for 5-8 minutes, depending on your preferred vegetable crispness.
- Garnish with sesame seeds if desired, and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.